A repeat of Monday's 29-run triumph never looked on the cards for Afghanistan after that flurry of wickets, although they will have allowed themselves to dream when William Porterfield was bowled by Mujeeb Ur Rahman before Ireland had registered a single run.

But Ireland did not allow themselves to be unsettled by the early loss of their captain, with Andy Balbirnie – who racked up 55 runs in the opening match – putting in another sterling performance to make 60 as Ireland reached their target with 37 balls to spare.